The Adoption (Leave, Pay and Allowance Arrangements) Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 29th June 2011.

First reading of the Bill took place on 29th June 2011. Second reading is provisionally fixed for 20th January 2012.

The aim of the Bill is to give adoptive parents parity with biological parents with regard to maternity leave, pay and allowances.

The summary of the Bill on the Parliament website says it is:

"A Bill to make provision to equalise leave, pay and allowance arrangements for adoptive parents with those of parents whose children are born to them; to equalise eligibility for adoption leave and pay with that of maternity leave and pay; to equalise the rates of pay for the first six weeks of maternity leave and adoption leave; to equalise the entitlement to allowances for self-employed adopters and self-employed mothers; and for connected purposes".